Surgical stapling device with reload assembly removal lockout

ABSTRACT

A stapling device includes an adapter assembly and a reload assembly that includes a reload release mechanism that is movable from a locked position in which the reload assembly is locked onto the adapter assembly to an unlocked position in which the reload assembly can be removed from the adapter assembly. The adapter assembly of the stapling device includes a lockout that prevents movement of the reload release mechanism to the unlocked position unless the stapling device is in a non-articulated, unfired position.

FIELD

This technology is generally related to surgical stapling devices and, more particularly, to surgical stapling devices that include replaceable reload assemblies.

BACKGROUND

Surgical stapling devices for simultaneously cutting and stapling tissue are known in the art and are commonly used during surgical procedures to reduce the time required to suture tissue. Such devices are available in endoscopic and open configurations. Endoscopic surgical stapling devices reduce trauma inflicted on a patient during a surgical procedure to minimize patient discomfort and reduce patient recovery times.

Endoscopic surgical stapling devices include an adapter assembly that supports a tool assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. Typically, the tool assembly is coupled to a distal portion of the adapter assembly by a pivot member to facilitate articulation of the tool assembly about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the adapter assembly. Articulation of the tool assembly improves access to tissue within a body cavity during a surgical procedure.

Some surgical stapling devices include a tool assembly that forms part of a replaceable reload assembly that is releasably coupled to the adapter assembly. During a surgical procedure, a spent reload assembly can be removed and replaced on the surgical stapling device to facilitate reuse of the surgical stapling device. Typically, the reload assembly is coupled to the adapter assembly with a bayonet type coupling. During replacement, a proximal portion of the reload assembly is inserted into a distal portion of the adapter assembly and rotated to lock the reload assembly to the body, and to couple the drive and articulation components of the adapter assembly to the drive and articulation components of the reload assembly. To ensure that the drive and articulation components of the adapter assembly and the reload assembly are properly coupled during attachment of the reload assembly to the adapter assembly, it is important that the drive component of the adapter assembly is in a fully retracted position and that the articulation component of the adapter assembly is in a non-articulated position.

SUMMARY

This disclosure generally relates to stapling devices with replaceable reload assemblies that include a reload release mechanism that is movable from a locked position in which the reload assembly is locked onto an adapter assembly to an unlocked position in which the reload assembly can be removed from the adapter assembly. The adapter assembly includes a lockout that prevents movement of the reload release mechanism from the locked position to the unlocked position unless the stapling device is in a non-articulated, unfired position.

One aspect of the disclosure is directed to an adapter assembly that includes a firing rod, an articulation assembly, a release mechanism, and a lockout. The firing rod includes a proximal portion and a distal portion and is movable between retracted and advanced positions. The articulation assembly includes an articulation lever, a coupling member, and an articulation link. The coupling member is positioned between the articulation lever and the articulation link. The articulation lever is rotatable to move the coupling member longitudinally between a neutral position and non-neutral positions to move the articulation link between advanced and retracted positions. The release mechanism is movable from a locked position to an unlocked position. The lockout is movable from an unlocked position to a locked position in response to movement of the coupling member from the neutral position to one of the non-neutral positions and/or in response to movement of the firing rod from the retracted position towards the advanced position. The lockout is configured to prevent movement of the release mechanism from its locked position to its unlocked position when the lockout is in its locked position.

In aspects of the disclosure, the lockout includes a body having a first protrusion and a second protrusion, the coupling member of the articulation assembly defines a first notch, and the firing rod defines a second notch.

In some aspects of the disclosure, the first protrusion is positioned within the first notch when the coupling member is in the neutral position, and the second protrusion is positioned within the second notch when the firing rod is in its retracted position.

In certain aspects of the disclosure, the body of the lockout includes a stop member, and the release mechanism includes a release button that defines a cavity.

In aspects of the disclosure, the stop member of the body of the lockout is received within the cavity when the lockout is in its locked position.

In some aspects of the disclosure, the lockout includes a biasing member that urges the lockout towards its unlocked position.

In certain aspects of the disclosure, the biasing member includes a leaf spring.

In aspects of the disclosure, the body of the lockout is supported in cantilevered fashion from the leaf spring.

In some aspects of the disclosure, the body includes a cylindrical pivot member, and the lockout is pivotable on the cylindrical pivot member between its locked and unlocked positions.

In certain aspects of the disclosure, the release mechanism includes a release member that is coupled to the release button.

Other aspects of the disclosure are directed to an adapter assembly that includes an articulation assembly, a release mechanism, and a lockout. The articulation assembly includes an articulation lever, a coupling member, and an articulation link. The coupling member is positioned between the articulation lever and the articulation link. The articulation lever is rotatable to move the coupling member longitudinally between a neutral position and non-neutral positions to move the articulation link between advanced and retracted positions. The release mechanism is movable from a locked position to an unlocked position. The lockout is movable from an unlocked position to a locked position in response to movement of the coupling member from the neutral position to one of the non-neutral positions. The lockout is configured to prevent movement of the release mechanism from its locked position to its unlocked position when the lockout is in its locked position.

Other aspects of the disclosure are directed to a surgical stapling device that includes a reload assembly and an adapter assembly. The reload assembly includes a proximal body and a tool assembly. The proximal body defines a first longitudinal axis. The tool assembly is pivotably coupled to the proximal body by a pivot member that defines an articulation axis that is transverse to the first longitudinal axis. The tool assembly includes a cartridge assembly and an anvil. The proximal body includes a drive assembly and a first articulation link that has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion of the first articulation link is coupled to the tool assembly such that movement of the first articulation link causes articulation of the tool assembly about the articulation axis between a non-articulated position and articulated positions. The drive assembly is movable between retracted and advanced positions to actuate the tool assembly. The adapter assembly defines a second longitudinal axis and has a distal portion that is releasably coupled to the reload assembly. The adapter assembly includes a firing rod, an articulation assembly, a release mechanism, and a lockout. The firing rod has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion of the firing rod is adapted to be coupled to the drive assembly of the reload assembly when the reload assembly is coupled to the adapter assembly. The firing rod is movable between retracted and advanced positions to move the drive assembly of the reload assembly between its retracted and advanced positions to actuate the tool assembly. The articulation assembly includes an articulation lever, a coupling member, and a second articulation link. The coupling member is positioned between the articulation lever and the first articulation link. The articulation lever is rotatable to move the coupling member longitudinally between a neutral position and non-neutral positions to move the first articulation link between advanced and retracted positions. The second articulation link is adapted to be coupled to the first articulation link when the reload assembly is coupled to the adapter assembly such that longitudinal movement of the second articulation link causes longitudinal movement of the first articulation link to articulate the tool assembly about the articulation axis. The release mechanism is movable from a locked position to an unlocked position. In the locked position, the release mechanism prevents the reload assembly from being uncoupled from the adapter assembly. The lockout is movable from an unlocked position to a locked position in response to movement of the coupling member from the neutral position to one of the non-neutral positions and/or in response to movement of the firing rod from its retracted position towards its advanced position. The lockout is configured to prevent movement of the release mechanism from its locked position to its unlocked position when the lockout is in its locked position.

In aspects of the disclosure, a handle assembly is coupled to the adapter assembly.

In some aspects of the disclosure, the surgical stapling device includes a rotation knob that is rotatably coupled to the handle assembly and secured to the proximal portion of the adapter assembly such that rotation of the rotation knob in relation to the handle assembly rotates the adapter assembly and the tool assembly about the second longitudinal axis.

Other features of the disclosure will be appreciated from the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Various aspects of the disclosure are described herein below with reference to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a surgical stapling device according to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the surgical stapling device of FIG. 1 with a reload assembly separated from an adapter assembly of the stapling device;

FIG. 3 is a enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown in FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the adapter assembly of the stapling device shown in FIG. 1 with an outer tube and rotation knob of the adapter assembly shown in phantom showing a reload release assembly;

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of an interface between the reload assembly and the adapter assembly with the reload release assembly in a locked position;

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of the interface between the reload assembly and the adapter assembly shown in FIG. 5 with the reload release assembly in an unlocked position;

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of the interface between the reload assembly and the adapter assembly shown in FIG. 6 with the reload release assembly rotated to a release position;

FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of the interface between the reload assembly and the adapter assembly shown in FIG. 6 with the reload release assembly separated from the adapter assembly;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the lockout, a reload release mechanism, an articulation assembly, and drive member of the central portion of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 3 ;

FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of a first side of a central portion of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 1 with a rotation knob shown in phantom, an articulation yoke in a neutral position, and a lockout in an unlocked position;

FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of the lockout shown in FIG. 9 ;

FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of the articulation yoke shown in FIG. 9 ;

FIG. 13 is a side perspective view from the first side of the central portion of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 10 with a reload release button and an articulation yoke removed, a firing rod in a retracted position, and the lockout in the unlocked position;

FIG. 14 is a side perspective view from a second side of the central portion of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 10 with a rotation knob shown in phantom and the lockout assembly in the unlocked position;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 15-15 of FIG. 14 with the lockout in the locked position;

FIG. 16 is a side perspective view of the first side of the central portion of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 1 with a rotation knob shown in phantom, the articulation yoke in a non-neutral position, and the lockout in a locked position;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 17-17 of FIG. 16 ;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 18-18 of FIG. 17 ;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 19-19 of FIG. 10 ; and

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken through the central portion of the surgical stapling device shown in FIG. 10 with the firing rod in a partially advanced position and the lockout in a locked position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed surgical device will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings in which like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views. However, it is to be understood that the aspects of the disclosure are merely exemplary of the disclosure and may be embodied in various forms. Well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the disclosure in unnecessary detail. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

In this description, the term “proximal” is used generally to refer to that portion of the device that is closer to a clinician during use of the device in its customary fashion, while the term “distal” is used generally to refer to that portion of the device that is farther from the clinician during use of the device in its customary fashion. In addition, the term “clinician” is used generally to refer to medical personnel including doctors, nurses, and support personnel.

This disclosure is directed to a surgical stapling device that includes an adapter assembly having a lockout that prevents operation of a reload release mechanism of the adapter assembly when a firing rod of the adapter assembly is not in a fully retracted position and/or when an articulation mechanism of the adapter assembly is not in a neutral position.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate exemplary aspects of the disclosed surgical stapling device shown generally as stapling device 10. The stapling device 10 includes a powered handle assembly 12, an adapter assembly 14, and a reload assembly 16. The adapter assembly 14 defines a longitudinal axis “X” and includes a proximal portion 14 a supported on the handle assembly 12 and a distal portion 14 b that supports the reload assembly 16. The reload assembly 16 includes a proximal body 18 and a tool assembly 20. The tool assembly is pivotably coupled to a distal portion of the proximal body 18 by a pivot member 22 to facilitate articulation of the tool assembly 20 in relation to the proximal body 18 about an articulation axis “Z” that is transverse to the longitudinal axis “X” of the adapter assembly 14. The proximal body 18 of the reload assembly 16 has a proximal portion that is adapted to be releasably coupled to the distal portion 14 b of the adapter assembly 14 of the stapling device 10.

In aspects of the disclosure, the tool assembly 20 includes an anvil 24 and a cartridge assembly 26. The cartridge assembly 26 includes a staple cartridge 28 that supports a plurality of staples (not shown). For a description of exemplary aspects of a tool assembly suitable for use with the stapling device 10, see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,139 (“the '139 patent”). It is envisioned that aspects of this disclosure are suitable for use with other types of surgical devices having replaceable reload assemblies including clip appliers, ligation devices, or the like.

The handle assembly 12 of the stapling device 10 includes a stationary handle 30 and actuation buttons 32 that can be depressed to actuate the tool assembly 20, e.g., approximate the tool assembly 20, and fire staples from the staple cartridge 28. In aspects of the disclosure, batteries (not shown) are supported in the stationary handle 20 to power the handle assembly 12.

The adapter assembly 14 includes an outer tube 40 that supports a rotation knob 42. The rotation knob 42 is rotatably coupled to the handle assembly 12 and fixedly coupled to the proximal portion 14 b of the adapter assembly 14 such that rotation of the rotation knob 42 in relation to the handle assembly 12 causes corresponding rotation of the adapter assembly 14 and the reload assembly 16 about the longitudinal axis “X”. The rotation knob 42 supports an articulation assembly that includes an articulation lever 44 which is described in further detail below.

FIGS. 2-9 illustrate the connection between the proximal body 18 of the reload assembly 16 and the distal portion 14 b of the adapter assembly 14. The proximal body 18 of the reload assembly 16 includes a connector 50 that includes a cylindrical body 52 and two diametrically opposed nubs 54 that project outwardly from the body 52. The proximal body 18 of the reload assembly 16 also includes an articulation link 56 (FIG. 3 ) and a drive assembly 58 (shown in phantom in FIG. 2 ). The articulation link 56 includes a proximal portion that includes a finger 56 a that is configured to be coupled to the articulation assembly in the adapter assembly 14, as described in further detail below, when the reload assembly 16 is coupled to the adapter assembly 14. The articulation link 56 also includes a distal portion 56 b (FIG. 2 ) that is coupled to the tool assembly 20 at a location offset from the articulation axis “Z” (FIG. 1 ) such that longitudinal movement of the articulation link 56 causes the tool assembly 20 to articulate about the articulation axis “Z”.

The drive assembly 58 includes a proximal portion 58 a that is adapted to be coupled to a firing rod 72 (FIG. 8 ) of the adapter assembly 14 when the reload assembly 16 is coupled to the adapter assembly 14. A distal portion of the drive assembly 58 includes a working end 58 b that is engaged with the anvil 24 and the cartridge assembly 26 and is movable along the length of the tool assembly 20 to eject staples (not shown) from the staple cartridge 28. In aspects of the disclosure, the working end 58 b of the drive assembly 58 has an I-beam configuration and supports a cutting blade (not shown). U.S. Pat. No. 8,286,848 discloses a surgical device with a reload assembly that is releasably coupled to an adapter assembly and includes the features described herein that is suitable for use in the stapling device 10.

The adapter assembly 14 includes a reload release mechanism 70 (FIG. 9 ), a firing rod 72, and an articulation mechanism 74 (FIG. 9 ). The release mechanism 70 includes a release member 76 and a release button 78. The release button 78 is coupled to a proximal portion of the release member 76 and is supported on the rotation knob 42 for movement between advanced and retracted positions to move the release member 76 between locked and unlocked positions. In aspects of the disclosure, the release button 78 includes a finger 80 (FIG. 9 ) that is received within a blind bore 82 (FIG. 9 ) formed in the proximal portion of the release member 76. Alternately, other coupling techniques or devices can be used to couple the release button 78 to the release member 76. The release button 78 includes an inner surface that forms a cavity 81 that is defined in part by a stop surface 81 a.

The release member 76 includes a distal portion 84 (FIG. 6 ) that defines cutouts 86 (FIG. 4 ) that receive the nubs 54 of the reload assembly 16 when the release member 76 is in the locked position (FIG. 5 ). The cutouts 86 are defined in part by side walls 90 (FIG. 6 ) that engage the nubs 54 of the reload assembly 16 when the release member 76 is in the locked position (FIG. 5 ) to prevent rotation of the reload assembly 16 in relation to the adapter assembly 14. A biasing member 91 is positioned within the outer tube 40 of the adapter assembly 14 to urge the release member 76 distally to the locked position.

The distal portion 14 b of the adapter assembly 14 includes a connector 92 (FIG. 8 ) that defines a cylindrical bore 94. The connector 92 includes inner walls that define L-shaped channels 96 (FIG. 8 ) (only one is shown) that receive the nubs 54 on the connector 50 of the reload assembly 16 when the reload assembly 16 is inserted into the cylindrical bore 96. The L-shaped channels 96 are axially aligned with a distal end 98 of the release member 76. When the connector 50 of the reload assembly 16 is inserted into the connector 92 of the adapter assembly 14 and the nubs 54 are slid into the L-shaped channels 96 (FIG. 8 ), engagement between the nubs 54 and the distal end 98 of the release member 76 moves the release member 76 from its locked position towards its unlocked position compressing the biasing member 91. After the nubs 54 of the connector 50 of the reload assembly 16 are moved to a position aligned with a transverse portion (not shown) of the L-shaped channels 96, the reload assembly 16 is rotated in relation to the adapter assembly 14 to move the nubs 54 into the transverse portion of the L-shaped channels 96. When the nubs 54 of the connector 50 are rotated past the distal end 98 of the release member 76 to a position aligned with the cutouts 86 in the release member 76, the biasing member 91 urges the release member 76 back the locked position (FIG. 5 ). In the locked position of the release member 76, the side walls 90 of the release member 76 engage the nubs 54 of the reload assembly 16 to prevent the reload assembly 16 from being rotated in relation to the adapter assembly 14 and, thus, lock the reload assembly 16 onto the adapter assembly 14.

FIGS. 6-8 illustrate operation of the reload release mechanism 70. When the release button 78 is slid proximally in the direction of arrow “A” in FIG. 2 , the release member 76 moves proximally in the direction of arrow “B” in FIG. 6 from the locked position (FIG. 5 ) to the unlocked position (FIG. 6 ). In the unlocked position, the side walls 90 defining the cutouts 86 in the distal portion 84 of the release member 76 are positioned proximally of the nubs 54 of the reload assembly 16 such that the reload assembly 16 can be rotated in relation to the adapter assembly 14 to disengage the reload assembly 16 from the adapter assembly 14 (FIG. 8 ).

The articulation assembly 74 includes a coupling member 100 and an articulation link 102. The coupling member 74 is coupled to the articulation lever 44 (FIG. 1 ) of the articulation assembly by a mechanism (not shown) for translating pivotable movement of the articulation lever 44 into longitudinal movement of the coupling member 100. The coupling member 100 is secured to the articulation link 102 such that longitudinal movement of the coupling member 100 between a neutral position and non-neutral positions causes longitudinal movement of the articulation link 102 between advanced and retracted positions. In aspects of the disclosure, the coupling member 100 includes a finger 104 (FIG. 9 ) and the articulation link 102 has a proximal portion that defines an opening 106 that receives the finger 104 to secure the coupling member 100 to the articulation link 102. In aspects of the disclosure, the coupling member 100 has a U-shaped body 100 a having a side wall 109 that defines a first notch 109 a (FIG. 12 ).

The articulation link 102 includes a distal portion 102 a that is adapted to be coupled to the articulation link 56 (FIG. 9 ) of the reload assembly 16. In aspects of the disclosure, the distal portion 102 a of the articulation link 102 of the adapter assembly 14 defines a slot 108 that receives the proximal portion 56 a of the articulation link 56 of the reload assembly 16 (FIG. 3 ). When the reload assembly 16 is rotatably coupled to the adapter assembly 14, the proximal portion 56 a of the articulation link 56 is received within the slot 108 in the articulation link 102 to couple the articulation link 102 of the adapter assembly 14 to the articulation link 56 (FIG. 3 ) of the reload assembly 16. When the reload assembly 16 is coupled to the adapter assembly 14, longitudinal movement of the articulation link 102 causes longitudinal movement of the articulation link 56 of the reload assembly 16 to articulate the tool assembly 20 in relation to the proximal body 18 of the reload assembly 16 about the articulation axis “Z”.

The firing rod 72 of the adapter assembly 14 includes a proximal portion 72 a that is coupled to the handle assembly 12 such that actuation of the handle assembly 12 causes longitudinal movement of the firing rod 72. The firing rod 72 also includes a distal portion 72 b (FIG. 8 ) that is coupled to the drive assembly 58 of the reload assembly 16 when the reload assembly 16 is coupled to the adapter assembly 14 of the stapling device 10 such that longitudinal movement of the firing rod 72 within the outer tube 40 of the adapter assembly 14 causes longitudinal movement of the drive assembly 58 (FIG. 2 ) within the reload assembly 16. The firing rod 72 defines a second notch 110.

FIGS. 9-12 illustrate the lockout 120 which prevents movement of the release button 78 from its advanced position towards its retracted position unless the coupling member 100 of the articulation assembly of the adapter assembly 14 (FIG. 1 ) is in its neutral position and the firing rod of the adapter assembly 14 is in the retracted position. The lockout 120 includes a body 122 and a biasing member 124 that is coupled to the body 122. In aspects of the disclosure, the biasing member 124 is in the form of a leaf spring 124 a that is secured to or integrally formed with the body 122 of the lockout 120. The body 122 of the lockout 120 includes a first protrusion 126 that is received within the first notch 109 (FIG. 12 ) of the coupling member 100 of the articulation assembly when the coupling member 100 is in its neutral position and a second protrusion 128 that is received within the second notch 110 (FIG. 9 ) of the firing rod 72 when the firing rod 72 is in the retracted position. The body 122 also includes a stop member 129 (FIG. 11 ) that is positioned on a bottom wall 132 of the body 122 and has a proximally facing stop surface 129 a. The stop member 129 is positioned above the cavity 81 (FIG. 9 ) in the release button 78. In aspects of the disclosure, the body 122 of the lockout 120 includes an L-shaped wall 130 that extends upwardly (as viewed in FIG. 9 ) from the bottom wall 132 and has a longitudinal portion 130 a and a transverse portion 130 b. The first protrusion 126 is supported on top of the longitudinal portion 130 a of the L-shaped wall 130 and the second protrusion 128 is positioned on top of the transverse portion 130 b of the L-shaped wall 130.

The biasing member 124 of the lockout 120 is secured to an inner wall 136 of the rotation knob 42. In aspects of the disclosure, the biasing member 124 is secured within a slot 138 in the inner wall 136 (FIG. 17 ) of the rotation knob 42 such that the body 122 of the lockout 120 is supported in cantilevered fashion within the rotation knob 42. In certain aspects of the disclosure, the body 122 of the lockout 120 includes a cylindrical pivot member 140 that is positioned between the biasing member 124 and the L-shaped wall 130 and is supported within a circular channel 142 (FIG. 17 ) of a support member 144. In aspects of the disclosure, the support member 144 is integrally formed with the rotation knob 42.

FIG. 13 illustrates the lockout 120 and the firing rod 72 of the adapter assembly 14 when the firing rod 72 is in its retracted position. When the firing rod 72 is in a retracted position, the second protrusion 128 of the lockout 120 is received within the second notch 110 of the firing rod 72 and the biasing member 124 of the lockout 120 is in a non-deformed position. In the non-deformed position, the stop member 129 is positioned above the cavity 81 (FIG. 14 ) of the release button 78 such that the stop surface 129 a of the stop member 129 is not aligned with the stop surface 81 a of the release button 78. In the non-deformed position, the release button 78 is movable from its advanced position to its retracted position to unlock the reload assembly 16 from the adapter assembly 14 and permit removal of the reload assembly 16 from the adapter assembly 14.

FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate the lockout 120 and the coupling member 100 of the articulation assembly of the adapter assembly 14 with the coupling member 100 in the neutral position, i.e., the position in which a longitudinal axis of the tool assembly 20 is substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis “X” of the adapter assembly 14. When the coupling member 100 is in the neutral position, the first protrusion 126 of the lockout 120 is received within the first notch 109 a in the side wall 109 of the coupling member 100 and the biasing member 124 (FIG. 15 ) of the lockout 120 is in a non-deformed position. In the non-deformed position, the stop member 129 (FIG. 15 ) is positioned above the cavity 81 of the release button 78 such that the stop surface 129 a of the stop member 129 is not aligned with the stop surface 81 a of the release button 78. In the non-deformed position, the release button 78 is movable from its advanced position to its retracted position to unlock the reload assembly 16 and permit removal of the reload assembly 16 from the adapter assembly 14.

FIGS. 16-18 illustrate the lockout 120 as the coupling member 100 of the articulation assembly of the adapter assembly 14 moves to a non-neutral position. In the non-neutral position, the coupling member 100 has been moved longitudinally from the neutral position to move the articulation links 102 and 56 of the adapter assembly 14 and the reload assembly 20, respectively, longitudinally to pivot the tool assembly 20 about the articulation axis “Z”. When the articulation lever 44 is rotated to advance (or retract) the coupling member 100 of the articulation assembly of the adapter assembly 14 in the direction indicated by arrow “A” in FIG. 16 from the neutral position to a non-neutral position, the first protrusion 126 on the body 122 of the lockout 120 moves from within the first notch 109 a in the side wall 109 of the lockout 120 and engages the side wall 109 of the coupling member 100. Engagement of the first protrusion 126 and the side wall 109 of the coupling member 100 causes biasing member 124 to deform and the body 122 of the lockout 120 to pivot downwardly about the pivot member 140 in the direction of arrows “B” in FIGS. 16 and 17 . When the body 122 of the lockout 120 moves downwardly in the direction of arrows “B”, the stop member 129 on the lockout 120 moves into the cavity 81 in the release button 78 of the reload release mechanism 70. In this position, the stop surface 129 a of the lockout 120 is aligned with the stop surface 81 a on the release button 78 to prevent movement of the release button 78 from its advanced position towards its retracted position and prevent movement of the release member 76 from its locked position to its unlocked position. Thus, when the articulation mechanism of the adapter assembly 14 is in non-neutral position such that the tool assembly 20 is in an articulated position, the reload assembly 16 (FIG. 1 ) cannot be removed from the adapter assembly 14.

FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate the lockout 120 and the firing rod 72 of the adapter assembly 14 when the firing rod 72 is moved in the direction of arrows “D” in FIG. 20 to a partially advanced position. When the firing rod 72 is in a partially advanced position, the second protrusion 128 of the lockout 120 is moved from the second notch 110 of the firing rod 72 and engages an outer surface of the firing rod 72. Engagement of the second protrusion 128 with the outer surface of the firing rod 72 causes biasing member 124 of the lockout 120 to deform such that the body 122 of the lockout 120 pivots downwardly about the pivot member 140 in the direction of arrows “E” in FIG. 20 . When the body 122 of the lockout 120 moves downwardly in the direction of arrows “E”, the stop member 129 on the lockout 120 moves into the cavity 81 in the release button 78 of the reload release mechanism 70. In this position, the stop surface 129 a of the lockout 120 is aligned with the stop surface 81 a on the release button 78 to prevent movement of the release button 78 from its advanced position towards its retracted position which prevents movement of the release member 76 from its locked position to its unlocked position. Thus, when the firing rod 72 of the adapter assembly 14 is in an advanced or partially advanced position, the reload assembly 16 (FIG. 1 ) cannot be removed from the adapter assembly 14.

The lockout 120 functions to prevent separation of the reload assembly 16 from the adapter assembly 14 of the stapling device 10 (FIG. 1 ) when the tool assembly 20 is in an articulated position and/or the firing rod 72 of the adapter assembly 14 is in an advanced or partially advanced position. If the tool assembly 20 is in an articulated position and/or the firing rod 72 is in a partially advanced or advanced position, the lockout 120 prevents operation of the reload release mechanism 70 to prevent separation of the reload assembly 16 from the adapter assembly 14 of the stapling device 10. Although the lockout is described in association with a firing rod and a coupling member of an articulation assembly, it is envisioned that the lockout 120 can be used in association with only a firing rod 72 or only a coupling member 100 of an articulation mechanism to lock or unlock the reload release mechanism 70.

Persons skilled in the art will understand that the devices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary aspects of the disclosure. It is envisioned that the elements and features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the elements and features of another without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As well, one skilled in the art will appreciate further features and advantages of the disclosure based on the above-described aspects of the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An adapter assembly comprising: a firing rod including a proximal portion and a distal portion, the firing rod movable between a rod retracted position and a rod advanced position; an articulation assembly including an articulation lever, a coupling member, and an articulation link, the coupling member operatively coupled to the articulation lever and to the articulation link, the articulation lever rotatable to move the coupling member longitudinally between a neutral position and non-neutral positions to move the articulation link between a link advanced position and a link retracted position; a release mechanism movable from a release locked position to a release unlocked position; and a lockout movable from a lockout unlocked position to a lockout locked position in response to movement of the coupling member from the neutral position to one of the non-neutral positions and movable from the lockout unlocked position to the lockout locked position in response to movement of the firing rod from the rod retracted position towards the rod advanced position, the lockout configured to prevent movement of the release mechanism from the release locked position to the release unlocked position when the lockout is in the lockout locked position.
 2. An adapter assembly comprising: a firing rod including a proximal portion and a distal portion, the firing rod movable between retracted and advanced positions; an articulation assembly including an articulation lever, a coupling member, and an articulation link, the coupling member operatively coupled to the articulation lever and to the articulation link, the articulation lever rotatable to move the coupling member longitudinally between a neutral position and non-neutral positions to move the articulation link between advanced and retracted positions; a release mechanism movable from a locked position to an unlocked position; and a lockout movable from an unlocked position to a locked position in response to movement of the coupling member from the neutral position to one of the non-neutral positions and/or in response to movement of the firing rod from the retracted position towards the advanced position, the lockout configured to prevent movement of the release mechanism from its locked position to its unlocked position when the lockout is in its locked position; wherein the lockout includes a body having a first protrusion and a second protrusion, the coupling member of the articulation assembly defines a first notch, and the firing rod defines a second notch, the first protrusion positioned within the first notch when the coupling member is in the neutral position, and the second protrusion positioned within the second notch when the firing rod is in the retracted position.
 3. The adapter assembly of claim 2, wherein the body of the lockout includes a stop member, and the release mechanism includes a release button that defines a cavity, the stop member of the body of the lockout received within the cavity when the lockout is in the lockout locked position.
 4. The adapter assembly of claim 3, wherein the lockout includes a biasing member that urges the lockout towards its unlocked position.
 5. The adapter assembly of claim 4, wherein the biasing member includes a leaf spring.
 6. The adapter assembly of claim 5, wherein the body of the lockout is supported in cantilevered fashion from the leaf spring.
 7. The adapter assembly of claim 6, wherein the body includes a cylindrical pivot member, the lockout pivotable on the cylindrical pivot member between the lockout locked position and the lockout unlocked position.
 8. The adapter assembly of claim 3, wherein the release mechanism includes a release member that is coupled to the release button.
 9. A surgical stapling device comprising: a reload assembly including a proximal body and a tool assembly, the proximal body defining a first longitudinal axis, the tool assembly pivotably coupled to the proximal body by a pivot member, the pivot member defining an articulation axis that is transverse to the first longitudinal axis, the tool assembly including a cartridge assembly and an anvil, the proximal body including a drive assembly and a first articulation link, the first articulation link having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion of the first articulation link coupled to the tool assembly such that movement of the first articulation link causes articulation of the tool assembly about the articulation axis between a non-articulated position and articulated positions, the drive assembly movable between a drive retracted position and a drive advanced position to actuate the tool assembly; and an adapter assembly defining a second longitudinal axis and having a distal portion releasably coupled to the reload assembly, the adapter assembly including: a firing rod having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion of the firing rod adapted to be coupled to the drive assembly of the reload assembly when the reload assembly is coupled to the adapter assembly, the firing rod movable between a rod retracted position and a rod advanced position to move the drive assembly of the reload assembly between the drive retracted position and the drive advanced position to actuate the tool assembly; an articulation assembly including an articulation lever, a coupling member, and a second articulation link, the coupling member operatively coupled to the articulation lever and to the first articulation link, the articulation lever rotatable to move the coupling member longitudinally between a neutral position and non-neutral positions to move the first articulation link between a link advanced position and a link retracted position, the second articulation link being adapted to be coupled to the first articulation link when the reload assembly is coupled to the adapter assembly such that longitudinal movement of the second articulation link causes longitudinal movement of the first articulation link to articulate the tool assembly about the articulation axis; a release mechanism movable from a release locked position to a release unlocked position, wherein in the release locked position, the release mechanism prevents the reload assembly from being uncoupled from the adapter assembly; and a lockout movable from a lockout unlocked position to a lockout locked position in response to movement of the coupling member from the neutral position to one of the non-neutral positions and movable from the lockout unlocked position to the lockout locked position in response to movement of the firing rod from the rod retracted position towards the rod advanced position, the lockout configured to prevent movement of the release mechanism from the release locked position to the release unlocked position when the lockout is in the lockout locked position.
 10. The surgical stapling device of claim 9, wherein lockout of the adapter assembly includes a body having a first protrusion and a second protrusion, the coupling member of the articulation assembly defines a first notch, and the firing rod defines a second notch, the first protrusion positioned within the first notch when the coupling member is in the neutral position, and the second protrusion positioned within the second notch when the firing rod is in the rod retracted position.
 11. The surgical stapling device of claim 10, wherein the body of the lockout of the adapter assembly includes a stop member, and the release mechanism of the adapter assembly includes a release button that defines a cavity, the stop member of the body of the lockout received within the cavity when the lockout is in the lockout locked position.
 12. The surgical stapling device of claim 11, wherein the lockout includes a biasing member that urges the lockout towards the lockout unlocked position.
 13. The surgical stapling device of claim 12, wherein the biasing member includes a leaf spring.
 14. The surgical stapling device of claim 13, wherein the body of the lockout is supported in cantilevered fashion from the leaf spring.
 15. The surgical stapling device of claim 14, wherein the body of the lockout includes a cylindrical pivot member, the lockout pivotable with the cylindrical pivot member between the lockout locked position and the lockout unlocked position.
 16. The surgical stapling device of claim 11, wherein the release mechanism includes a release member that is coupled to the release button.
 17. The surgical stapling device of claim 9, further including a handle assembly coupled to the adapter assembly.
 18. The surgical stapling device of claim 17, further including a rotation knob, the rotation knob rotatably coupled to the handle assembly and secured to the proximal portion of the adapter assembly, wherein rotation of the rotation knob in relation to the handle assembly rotates the adapter assembly and the tool assembly about the second longitudinal axis. 